ORIGIN
The story of this breed starts with the Basuto Pony that developed in the 18th and 19th century from the Cape Horse which had found its way into the mountainous highlands of Lesotho, the former Basutoland. In this inhospitable environment these ponies were dependent on sparse grazing and and exposed to freezing winters and scorching summers.

Only the toughest animals could survive these extreme conditions and thus evolved a type of pony with unique qualities - hardy, courageous and sure-footed. With its strong joints and tough hooves, it could brave the roughest terrain. One of the most striking characteristics it developed was a natural affection and affinity for people, while from its Oriental ancestors - the Arab, Barb and the Javanese Pony - it inherited spiritedness, intelligence and stamina.

For these very reasons it was used on both sides in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) and its valour and exceptional power of endurance have been immortalised in many anecdotes. But another consequence was that it was sold to foreign countries by the thousands and because of this mass export, but also due to droughts and neglect, the Nooitgedacht teetered on the verge of extinction by the 1940s.

A NEW BREED
In 1951 the South African Department of Agriculture purchased a nucleus group of animals and a year later initiated a breeding project at the Nooitgedachter Research Station near Ermelo. Because of previous inbreeding, a very selective process was required. In a rigid, scientific process only one in every four foals was kept. With the same dedication and often ruthlessness nature had forced upon the Nooitgedacht, officials of the Department of Agriculture continued to develop its excellent qualities.

In 1967, eight studs were established as part of the breeding programme. In the same year, the Nooitgedacht Breeders' Society was established. A climax was reached in 1976 when it was recognised by the South African Stud Book Association as South Africa's first indigenous breed of horse. A year later, the Department of Agriculture auctioned its stud, entrusting the further development to the breeders' association.

Today there are more than a hundred breeders continuously striving to improve the Nooitgedachter.

STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE
The following standards have been set as guidelines for breeders and show judges:

• Sturdy and compact with a short back and sloping shoulders. Ridability and stamina are emphasised. Should have a comfortable gait and be able to carry a heavy person over long distances.
  
• Predominantly bays or blue, brown and chestnut roans. Piebalds and skewbalds are not permitted. The hide is pigmented.
  
• Good natured, fond of people and intelligent. Young horses are easily trained.
  
• Minimum height is 138cm (13.2 hh), ideal height is 153 cm (15 hh).
  
• Hardiness, a fine bone structure, good joints and excellent hooves which seldom need to be shod. Noted for its surefootedness.

BREEDERS
Thanks to the continued dedication of the breeders, the future of the Nooitgedachter breed is secure. South Africa can justly be proud of this noble and loyal horse.

VERSATILITY
This breed includes both horses and ponies. It makes a fine children's and junior jumper, doing well in provincial, national and international competitions. As a show horse it is becoming increasingly popular. Its excellent temperament, manageability and reliability make it a particularly suitable mount for women. It also excels at gymkhana, polo, endurance riding and hacking. As a working horse it is used on farms for rounding up sheep and cattle, in game reserves for game counting, patrolling inhospitable areas, and game viewing.